Dual Language Immersion

NVUSD’s Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program is a K-12 pathway, available to students, where they are immersed in another language from their native language. So native English and native Spanish speaking students are learning another language alongside each other. Our DLI pathway subscribes to three common goals: biliteracy, bilingualism, and biculturalism. Please watch our video above and review the Frequently Asked Questions below to learn more about our DLI pathway at NVUSD. We also encourage families to attend open houses at our DLI schools in the fall, tour campuses, and meet our amazing teachers and staff. 

Since DLI is a K-12 pathway, do students need to start in kindergarten?
Students can begin the pathway in kindergarten or first grade. There are also options to join later in the pathway and students are assessed on a case by case basis. 

When are most students competent in their second language?
Research shows that a language is learned in the course of 7-9 years. Generally, most students start using their new language (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in the first few years of being immersed in the second language and progressively get stronger over the course of their development at the elementary grades and beyond. 

What schools do DLI students attend in NVUSD?
Students for elementary (K-5) attend either Pueblo Vista Elementary or Napa Valley Language Academy,  Unidos Middle School (6-8), (opening in August 2022), and Napa High School.

How do I enroll my student in the DLI pathway?
NVUSD offers a K-12 Dual Immersion pathway. Students can enroll at either NVLA or Pueblo Vista to start the DLI pathway in kindergarten or first grade. Families would need to enroll their student during the open enrollment period for NVUSD which is held in the Fall. Those students would then continue to the dual immersion pathway to Unidos Middle School and then complete the pathway at  Napa High.  For students who are new to the Spanish language and wish to provide this opportunity to their children during the middle school years, Unidos Middle School offers 3 tracks: DLI, Spanish for Heritage Speakers, and "New to Spanish Pathway."  All the tracks could potentially onboard students to earn the Seal of Biliteracy during their high school years.